Tourists will have 2 flexible schedules depending on the time you travel

Khok Phou - Had Sako - Khok Ek (July-October)

Join our daily yoga class on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by stunning Mekong river views

The Heritage Line Anouvong boat departs early, allowing you to enjoy breakfast while observing nature's morning life along the riverbank. A mid-morning stop takes us to the enchanting village of Had Sako. This place thrives with the Hmong ethnic community, famous for its unique corn growing profession. The highlight awaits at a local house, where residents in traditional costumes will introduce the fascinating traditional musical instrument called “Kene” and treat us to the hypnotic melodies of this flute accompanied by a unique dance.

Sailing mid-afternoon, another breathtaking sight on the river awaits as we reach another remarkable village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups - Hmong, Lao Loum and Khamo - coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group has its own history, traditions, lifestyle and housing style. If time permits and the season permits, visitors can be briefly introduced to the organic gardens where villagers tend their crops.

Back on board, as afternoon turns to evening, gather at the bar to enjoy snacks while previewing the day's program ahead. Prepare for an enriching pre-dinner experience as a traditional dance performance takes place on the terrace or sandbank in front of our boat.

After dinner, join us in the lounge to enjoy a cozy cinema setting with 'Chiang' (Lao for “elephant”).

Khok Phou - Khok Luang (November - April)

Join our daily yoga class on the rooftop terrace, surrounded by stunning Mekong river views.

The boat departs early, allowing you to enjoy breakfast while observing nature's morning life along the riverbank. A mid-morning stop takes us to the enchanting village of Khok Luang, home to the Khum people. Visitors will observe their lifestyles and engage in insightful conversations to better understand their unique experiences.

We returned to the ship for lunch. For the rest of the day, you can enjoy a wonderful stay on board. The ship remains moored to the shore with excellent views of the river.

In the afternoon, there is some entertainment on board. Join our Lao cooking class and learn how to make exceptional dishes that can be easily made at home. Relax on deck or in your cabin. Choose a spa or relax in our bar-lounge with a good book or chat with fellow passengers.

In the evening, we invite you to have dinner on the terrace (if conditions allow). After dinner, join us in the lounge to enjoy a cozy cinema setting with "Chiang" (Lao for “elephant”).

Tourists will have 2 flexible schedules depending on the time you travel

Khok Ek - Pakbeng - Huay Ting (July-October)

Wake up to the sun for an invigorating yoga class.

As 'Anouvong' moves upstream, get creative in the bamboo weaving workshop, where you'll make your own bamboo basket-a cherished memento of this traditional art.

After lunch, the next stop on our journey is Pakbeng. Along the riverbank opposite town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos's most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we are privileged to meet these majestic creatures.

If time permits, we'll take you to the top of the hill in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breathtaking panoramic views - perfect for capturing lasting memories. There is a small Buddhist temple left on the hilltop of the former Lan Na Kingdom.

As afternoon fell, our journey continued. Once again, we moored to a splendid sandbar, creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely aperitif, ideally accompanied by a stunning sunset. A farewell dinner was then served on the terrace, marking the end of this remarkable journey.

Khok Luang - Khok Ek - Pakbeng (November - April)

This morning, after having breakfast on the 'Anouvong' boat, we had to temporarily leave the 'Anouvong' boat to switch to a traditional long-tail boat and continue the journey upstream. Because the water level and rapids above the river did not allow our boat to pass.

Enjoy the passing scenery and reach Khok Ek village. Here, three distinct ethnic groups - Hmong, Lao Loum, and Khamo - coexist almost literally under one roof. Each group has its own history, traditions, lifestyle and housing style.

Our chef will serve lunch on the longtail boat while we cruise around Pakbeng. Along the riverbank opposite town and nestled in the jungle lies Laos's most sustainable elephant sanctuary. Here, in an almost pristine natural setting, we are privileged to meet these majestic creatures.

If time permits, we'll take you to a hilltop vantage point in Pakbeng town (by vehicle), offering breathtaking panoramic views - perfect for capturing lasting memories.

After the tour, you'll check in to Le Grand Hotel & Resort with great views of the town and river below. Dinner is served at the hotel's restaurant.
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Tourists will have 2 flexible schedules depending on the time you travel

Huay Ting - Huay Xai (July-October)

After an exhilarating 3-night cruise, today invites you to a more leisurely pace, allowing you to savor the memories created during our journey.

Feel free to extend your morning sleep time if you wish. Breakfast was deliberately simplified, with fewer options or a la carte options, as we prepared for the culinary-rich brunch that followed - a prelude to saying goodbye.

We then sail into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the morning is yours to relax or take part in our fascinating presentation that unravels the complex history of the Golden Triangle.

Just before the appetite awakens, visitors will participate in a Lao cuisine cooking class, preparing for a late brunch with a buffet of main dishes and attractive desserts to stimulate their taste buds. Friend.

When we docked at Huay Xai wharf mid-afternoon, we said goodbye in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for an exciting journey ahead.

Pakbeng - Huay Ting (November - April)

This morning wake up to the sunshine and get ready for your final day on the river. We had to leave quite early to be able to manage the distance to Huay Xai.

Breakfast is served on the longtail boat while you can enjoy the morning breeze and wonderful riverside scenery passing by. During the middle of the day, lunch is served and fruit and drinks are provided at intervals.

When we docked at Huay Xai wharf mid-afternoon, we said goodbye in front of the Lao immigration office. We extend our best wishes for an exciting journey ahead.

For the early bird, you can admire the sunrise at dawn and maybe exercise on the sundeck. There is the selection between Yoga and Tai Chi instructors. After a satisfying workout, energize with a hearty breakfast.

After breakfast, we will have an informative talk with the local expert about the elephants and the local effort in protecting their habitats. The expert also reflects on the old ways the elephants used to be treat and the actions the authority has been taking to preserve the elephants’ safety.

We arrive in a quaint town called Pakbeng. This town is a halfway stop of our trip to Huay Xai. Here you can find a gorgeous temple on the hilltop where a grand vista can be seen.

An informative trip will be next on the schedule as we traverse to an elephant sanctuary. The sanctuary is the homes for the senior elephants who were used in the logging industry and nowadays they get to rest and exercise instead of struggle through the day.

Return back on board as we continue the voyage to a sandbank where the ship docks for the night.

Afterward, leisure cruising as you relax on the sundeck and when you reach Kop Aek to observe the scared traditions and ceremonies that are unique to the village. We then mingle around the sandbank to enjoy the dance performance from the local artists with some drinks.

Following is a homey BBQ dinner on the sundeck.

After breakfast, join in a lecture about the diverse ethnics that live beside the river and amidst the endless jungle of Laos. Later, there is also a chance to participate in the cooking demonstration with the instruction of the chefs. The rest of the morning will be your own occupation.

The ship will continue its journey on the river as we reach Muang Keo. Witness the process of textile weaving. Next, make a trek to the Pak Ou Caves by the bank of the Mekong River. The sacred saves houses almost four thousands of Buddhist Images of all shapes and sizes. Then we return back to the cruise for some refreshing drinks and if you wish, you can kayak through the gentle stream of this part of the Mekong.

Afterward, you can once again take a look at the morning market to see a closer look at the local life before going back on board for breakfast. If time allows, we will have a meeting with Mr. Francis Engelmann, a former specialist of UNESCO’s during 1994 and his efforts on preserving the charm and history of this ancient town. Having been living in the country for over 20 years, Mr. Engelmann is no stranger to the culture and the history of the town, and his knowledge exceeds many of the residents in town.

We will take some more miles to reach Luang Prabang in the evening. Meanwhile, you can enjoy the tasty dinner prepared by the crew.

The today tour will begin with the trip to the UNESCO Heritage Town – Luang Prabang. Instead of taking the main streets, you will make the discovery through a more unconventional way to understand more about this town by the Mekong River with unique architecture and rich history.

When you arrive in the main street, visit an important historical sites underneath the safe of the trees. Be amazed at the shinning buildings and engravings that was adorned centuries ago. Make a stop at the Lamache that was used as living space for nobilities and later for the ice cream maker of the royalties. Complete the morning with a tea break to enjoy the local take on coffee and tea and other refreshing drinks and ice creams.

After lunch on board, we resume the exploration with a walk to the Royal Palace or National Museum. This museum houses some of the precious artifacts along with the documents about the history and culture of Laos.

Toward the end of the day, spend the time at your own agenda. You can either kick back at one of the cafes on the streets or browse some hidden shop along the narrow alleys before going back to the cruise.

Before your dinner as the sun sinks into the horizon, enjoy a special traditional dance performance on the sundeck followed by dinner.

The evening can be spent leisure on board or you can leave for the famous night markets on the town’s main streets.

Early morning today, if you wish, you can participate in the alms giving ceremony or “Tak Bak” as the local call it. Line up by street and giving donations to the monks as they make their way around town each day.

Commence the day with a trip to Ban Muang Kai village. Here, you can find a special Buffalo dairy farm with surprisingly modern chain of operation and its contribution to the society. The buffalo milk helps create a new corner in the almost nonexistent dairy industry of the country. You can find not only milk but also cheese, yogurt and even ice cream products here.

Next stop is the Kuang Si Falls, which is incredible famous for its aquamarine light blue color and mineral lagoon. Here you can have fun walking through the butterfly garden or take a dip into the blue pool.

Finally, some time late this afternoon, we arrive at the Xayaburi Dam. Passing through the two ship locks to pass the dam. You can have a brief moment to admire this huge structure and understand a bit more about the construction with the guide.

When the evening approach, the Heritage Line Anouvong ship arrives in Khok Akha and docks overnight by the sand bank on the southern part of the dam.

You may begin the day with a workout on a sundeck or a Tai Chi or Yoga session. Enjoy breakfast as the ship navigate to the first stop of today the hydroelectric power plant. On board, you will learn about the economy and the significance of this power plant to the livelihood of the Lao people. 

After lunch, there are two options for you to spend the afternoon:

• Longtail boat to a tribe village by the bank Nam Fuan River. Find yourself observing the hardworking villagers on the field of vegetation and the simple yet meaningful life.
• Make an excursion to Khok Akha – a small village with the population of approximately of 400 people of Lao Loum ethnics (“Lowland Laotian”). The village’s main source of income is from the rice fields, fishing and woods.

Return back for lunch, the afternoon excursion, we pass Don Saynhan Village by tuk tuk and the reach the destination of Khao Cave. This cave is special as it houses a community of exotic bats that have live here for ages. The cave is also impressive for its karst rock formation.

Go back to the cruise as we reach Pak Lay for overnight.

After breakfast, for the morning this particular part of Mekong is quite gentle so you are free to do your own exploration or go kayaking.

Sailing for a few hours toward a little village named Phalat. With the location on the bank it has a great view of the river in both Laos and Thailand territories. Continue with a ride in tuk tuk to a Chopstick Plantation to learn about the process of making this essential Asian cutlery.

Afterward, we will leave Phalat for a sandbank where you will spend the night. Enjoy the farewell dinner and celebrate a wonderful journey with the crew.

In the morning, there will be for a informative presentation to introduce you about the legacy of King Anouvong. Afterward, you can leisure on the sundeck reading a book or simply just gaze at the endless mountains and jungles.

We will reach Vientiane before midday and disembark from the cruise as you say goodbye to the crew.

For the early bird, you can admire the sunrise at dawn and maybe exercise on the sundeck. There is the selection between Yoga and Tai Chi instructors. After a satisfying workout, energize with a hearty breakfast.

Sailing for a few hours toward a little village named Phalat. With the location on the bank it has a great view of the river in both Laos and Thailand territories. Continue with a ride in tuk tuk to a Chopstick Plantation to learn about the process of making this essential Asian cutlery.

After lunch back on board, we arrive at Ban Pak Mane Village where the Heritage Line Anouvong ship will dock. This particular part of Mekong is quite gentle so you are free to do your own exploration or go kayaking. There will be a film night after the dinner.

Resume the sailing in the morning we will reach Pak Lay on the west side of the river. It is part of the Nam Phouy National Biodiversity Conservation Area – which possesses the largest amount of wild elephants in the whole country.

Return back for lunch, the afternoon excursion, we pass Don Saynhan Village by tuk tuk and the reach the destination of Khao Cave. This cave is special as it houses a community of exotic bats that have live here for ages. The cave is also impressive for its karst rock formation.

Return back to the cruise to continue slowly to a quiet and gentle point where you will spend the night.

You may begin the day with a workout on a sundeck or a Tai Chi or Yoga session. Enjoy breakfast as the ship navigate to the first stop of today the hydroelectric power plant. On board, you will learn about the economy and the significance of this power plant to the livelihood of the Lao people. 

After lunch, there are two options for you to spend the afternoon:

• Longtail boat to a tribe village by the bank Nam Fuan River. Find yourself observing the hardworking villagers on the field of vegetation and the simple yet meaningful life.
• Make an excursion to Khok Akha – a small village with the population of approximately of 400 people of Lao Loum ethnics (“Lowland Laotian”). The village’s main source of income is from the rice fields, fishing and woods.

Finally, some time late this afternoon, we arrive at the Xayaburi Dam. Passing through the two ship locks to pass the dam. You can have a brief moment to admire this huge structure and understand a bit more about the construction with the guide.

Enjoy dinner on board.

Spend the morning at your own leisure, enjoy a cup of tea as you slowly work through or novel or sunbathe in the sun deck and watch as the life goes by.

Commence the afternoon with a trip to Ban Muang Kai village. Here, you can find a special Buffalo dairy farm with surprisingly modern chain of operation and its contribution to the society. The buffalo milk helps create a new corner in the almost nonexistent dairy industry of the country. You can find not only milk but also cheese, yogurt and even ice cream products here.

Next stop is the Kuang Si Falls, which is incredible famous for its aquamarine light blue color and mineral lagoon. Here you can have fun walking through the butterfly garden or take a dip into the blue pool.

Back on board as the ship makes its way to Luang Prabang. Here you can feast on the tasty meal as you observe the gentle lights from the idyllic town by the river.

The today tour will begin with the trip to the UNESCO Heritage Town – Luang Prabang. Instead of taking the main streets, you will make the discovery through a more unconventional way to understand more about this town by the Mekong River with unique architecture and rich history.

When you arrive in the main street, visit an important historical sites underneath the safe of the trees. Be amazed at the shinning buildings and engravings that was adorned centuries ago. Make a stop at the Lamache that was used as living space for nobilities and later for the ice cream maker of the royalties. Complete the morning with a tea break to enjoy the local take on coffee and tea and other refreshing drinks and ice creams.

After lunch on board, we resume the exploration with a walk to the Royal Palace or National Museum. This museum houses some of the precious artifacts along with the documents about the history and culture of Laos.

Toward the end of the day, spend the time at your own agenda. You can either kick back at one of the cafes on the streets or browse some hidden shop along the narrow alleys before going back to the cruise.

Before your dinner as the sun sinks into the horizon, enjoy a special traditional dance performance on the sundeck followed by dinner.

The evening can be spent leisure on board or you can leave for the famous night markets on the town’s main streets.

Early morning today, if you wish, you can participate in the alms giving ceremony or “Tak Bak” as the local call it. Line up by street and giving donations to the monks as they make their way around town each day.

Afterward, you can once again take a look at the morning market to see a closer look at the local life before going back on board for breakfast. If time allows, we will have a meeting with Mr. Francis Engelmann, a former specialist of UNESCO’s during 1994 and his efforts on preserving the charm and history of this ancient town. Having been living in the country for over 20 years, Mr. Engelmann is no stranger to the culture and the history of the town, and his knowledge exceeds many of the residents in town.

The ship will continue its journey on the river as we reach Muang Keo. Witness the process of textile weaving. Next, make a trek to the Pak Ou Caves by the bank of the Mekong River. The sacred saves houses almost four thousands of Buddhist Images of all shapes and sizes. Then we return back to the cruise for some refreshing drinks and if you wish, you can kayak through the gentle stream of this part of the Mekong.

Later, the cruise continues upstream as the sun sets and arrive by the bank of Gaeng Hang Ngai Village. The ship will dock here for the night.

After breakfast, we will have an informative talk with the local expert about the elephants and the local effort in protecting their habitats. The expert also reflects on the old ways the elephants used to be treat and the actions the authority has been taking to preserve the elephants’ safety.

In the afternoon, we arrive in a quaint town called Pakbeng. This town is a halfway stop of our trip to Huay Xai. Here you can find a gorgeous temple on the hilltop where a grand vista can be seen.

An informative trip will be next on the schedule as we traverse to an elephant sanctuary. The sanctuary is the homes for the senior elephants who were used in the logging industry and nowadays they get to rest and exercise instead of struggle through the day.

Return back on board as we continue the voyage to a sandbank where the ship docks for the night.

Following the dinner is a cinema night with a classic comedy – “Chang” produced in 1927 and co-directed by the talented Merian C. Cooper who also directed the original King Kong.

After breakfast, join in a lecture about the diverse ethnics that live beside the river and amidst the endless jungle of Laos. Later, there is also a chance of participating in the cooking demonstration with the instruction of the chefs. The rest of the morning will be on your own occupation.

We arrive in Huay Palanga in the afternoon with the majority of the population are of Khmu ethnic minority. Learn about the dependence of the people here on the river and the occupations of the 90 household village. Give a taste of Lao whiskey made from rice in fermentation.

As we reach the end of the day, take part in the traditional ceremony organized in the village called Baci. The village seniors will personally lead the ceremony to bless you a safe journeys and good luck before you leave Anouvong.

Feast on the farewell dinner prepared lovingly by the staffs and celebrate a wonderful adventure with the crew.

As you enjoy the last breakfast on board, the sip will slowly make its way to Huay Xai – border town to Thailand. 

As we reach the intersection with the Nam Tha River, you can have the chance to visit one of the local house to learn about the process of making the handicraft here.

The ship will reach the final point in Huay Xai at around 3 PM. The Laos River Cruises staff will help you with the process in the border checkpoint in Thailand before the farewell in the Immigration office.

Want to continue your Laos trip after this Anouvong 9-night cruise? Contact Laos River Cruise to create your one-and-only tour package!